Method and apparatus for preventing screen off during automatic response system service in electronic device

ABSTRACT

A method of avoiding screen off during an Automatic Response System (ARS) service is provided. The method includes enabling a proximity sensor in a call connection, detecting one of a first gesture and a second gesture during a call, and upon detecting the first gesture, disabling the proximity sensor.

PRIORITY

This application is a continuation application of a prior applicationSer. No. 15/488,885, filed on Apr. 17, 2017, which is a continuationapplication of a prior application Ser. No. 14/797,615, filed on Jul.13, 2015, which has issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,628,982 on Apr. 18, 2017,which is a continuation application of prior application Ser. No.13/923,893, filed on Jun. 21, 2013, which has issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,173,086 on Oct. 27, 2015 and was based on and claimed the benefitunder 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) of a Korean patent application number10-2012-0077997, filed on Jul. 17, 2012, in the Korean IntellectualProperty Office, and of a Korean patent application number10-2012-0085372, filed on Aug. 3, 2012, in the Korean IntellectualProperty Office, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to an electronic device. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatusfor preventing screen off due to an operation of a proximity sensorduring an automatic response system service is used in the electronicdevice.

2. Description of the Related Art

An Audio Response System or Automatic Response System (ARS) is a systemwhich stores a variety of information comprising audio data in a storagedevice and which automatically delivers information desired by a user.The variety of information is stored in an audio format, and thus whenthe user accesses a system using a phone, the user is informed as to howto use the system so that the user can search for necessary informationby using a sound. When the necessary information is found, the user canlisten to the information. In other words, the user usually proceeds toa next step while touching one numeric character in a keypad accordingto a voice guidance and finally listens to the desired information.

According to the related art, an electronic device such as a smart phoneemploys a soft keypad which is used as an input means instead of ahardware keypad. The soft keypad is a keypad displayed on a screen. Inaddition, the electronic device such as the smart phone performs a“screen off” (e.g., a screen deactivation) function by using a proximitysensor to prevent a loss of electronic current of a display unit and anerroneous operation thereof during a call. For example, when the smartphone is placed close to an ear of the user to make a call, theproximity sensor located in an upper portion of the smart phonerecognizes that the smart phone is proximate to the ear of the user, andthus performs the screen off function according to a sensing result ofthe proximity sensor. Therefore, electric current unnecessarily consumedin the display unit during the call can be decreased, and the user canavoid a case in which an end button is erroneously pressed. In general,the proximity sensor is located in an upper-right portion or anupper-left portion.

In an electronic device using a soft keypad, a user touches a button ofthe soft keypad which appears on a display to respond to a voice queryof a synthesized sound when using an ARS service. In this case, there isa high possibility that a proximity sensor located in an upper-rightportion or an upper-left portion is operated when the user touches thekeypad in response to the voice query of the synthesized sound toacquire desired information. Therefore, when the user intends to press anumeric character of the soft keypad for the ARS response, a problemoccurs in that the screen is turned off before the ARS response and thusa user input cannot be made.

As described above, the technique according to the related art isdesigned to turn the screen off by operating the proximity sensor whenthe smart phone is placed close to the ear of the user to make the call,for the purpose of decreasing the electric current unnecessarilyconsumed in the display unit during the call and for the purpose ofavoiding the operation in which the end button is erroneously pressed.However, when the user presses a numeric character of a keypad inresponse to a synthesized sound during an ARS service, the proximitysensor may operate unnecessarily by a finger of the user. For example,when the numeric character is input by using the soft keypad during theARS service, “screen off” may occur, which may cause inconvenience tothe user.

Accordingly, there is a need for a method and apparatus for convenientlyusing an ARS service in an electronic device for performing a “screenoff” function by using a proximity sensor to avoid an erroneousoperation and a loss of electric current consumed in a display unitduring a call.

The above information is presented as background information only toassist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determinationhas been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the abovemight be applicable as prior art with regard to the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention are to address at least theabove-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at leastthe advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the presentinvention is to provide a method and apparatus for avoiding screen offduring an Automatic Response System (ARS) service.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method andapparatus for preventing a proximity sensor from being enabled when asoft keypad is input during an ARS response and thus can avoid a “screenoff” function which is not desired by a user, thereby increasing userconvenience during an ARS service.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a method ofavoiding screen off during a call in an electronic device is provided.The method includes performing a call serving connection by enabling aproximity sensor, detecting one of a first gesture and a second gestureduring the call, and upon detecting the first gesture, disabling theproximity sensor.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the methodmay further include, upon detecting the second gesture, enabling thedisabled proximity sensor.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the firstgesture may correspond to a down-swing operation in which the electronicdevice moves up to down (e.g., a user moves the electronic device awayfrom an ear of the user to check a screen of the electronic device). Thesecond gesture may correspond to an up-swing operation in which theelectronic device moves down to up (e.g., the user places the electronicdevice close to the ear of the user to make a call).

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the methodmay further include, if the second gesture is detected, turning off ascreen of the electronic device and enabling the proximity sensor.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the methodmay further include, displaying a soft keypad upon sensing the firstgesture.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the methodmay further include displaying a button for enabling the soft keypad,and selecting the button for enabling the soft keypad.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the methodmay further include connecting a call using a phone number which isinput from a user, and determining whether a call service connectedbased on the phone number corresponds to an ARS service.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, anelectronic device is provided. The electronic device includes at leastone processor, a memory, and at least one program stored in the memoryand configured to be executed by the at least one processor, wherein theprogram includes an instruction for performing a call serving connectionby enabling a proximity sensor, detecting one of a first gesture and asecond gesture during the call, and disabling the proximity sensor upondetecting the first gesture.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the programmay further include an instruction for enabling the disabled proximitysensor upon sensing the second gesture.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the programmay further include an instruction for, if the second gesture isdetected, turning off a screen of the electronic device and enabling theproximity sensor.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the programfurther may include an instruction for displaying a soft keypad upondetecting the first gesture.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the programmay further include an instruction for connecting a call by using aphone number which is input from a user, and determining whether a callservice connected based on the phone number corresponds to an ARSservice.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, anelectronic device for avoiding screen off during an ARS service in aportable terminal is provided. The electronic device includes a sensormodule for detecting one of a first gesture and a second gesture, and aprocessor for disabling a proximity sensor during a call upon detectingthe first gesture, wherein the first gesture corresponds to a down-swingoperation in which the electronic device moves up to down.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, theprocessor may enable the proximity sensor during the call upon sensingthe second gesture, and the second gesture may corresponds to anup-swing operation in which the electronic device moves down to up(e.g., a user places the electronic device close to an ear of the user).

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method ofavoiding screen off during an ARS service in an electronic device isprovided. The method includes determining whether a call corresponds toan ARS service, if the call corresponds to the ARS service, detectingone of a first gesture and a second gesture, and upon detecting thefirst gesture, disabling a proximity sensor during a call, wherein thefirst gesture corresponds to a down-swing operation in which theelectronic device moves up to down (e.g., a user moves the electronicdevice away from an ear of the user to check a screen of the electronicdevice).

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method ofcontrolling a screen of an electronic device is provided. The methodincludes sensing a predetermined first down-swing of the electronicdevice while a call is made by using the electronic device, and uponsensing the first down-swing, disabling an enabled proximity sensorincluded in the electronic device. In this case, because the proximitysensor is disabled, even if a new approach to the electronic device issensed after the proximity sensor is disabled, the proximity sensor doesnot operate and thus a screen of the electronic device is not turned offThe method may further include enabling the disabled proximity sensorupon sensing a predetermined second gesture (up-swing) of the electronicdevice.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method ofavoiding screen off during a cell in an electronic device is provided.The method includes connecting a call service by enabling a proximitysensor, detecting whether a specific key is input by a user during thecall service, and upon inputting the specific key, disabling theproximity sensor.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the methodmay further include enabling the disabled proximity sensor upondetecting a touch of one key in a soft keypad.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the methodmay further include displaying the soft keypad upon inputting thespecific key.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method ofavoiding screen off during a call in an electronic device is provided.The method includes connecting a call service by enabling a proximitysensor, during the call service, detecting a specific proximity objectusing the proximity sensor, and disabling the proximity sensor if noproximity object is detected.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the methodmay further include running a timer for enabling the proximity sensor,and enabling the disabled proximity sensor at the expiration of thetimer.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method ofavoiding screen off during a call in an electronic device is provided.The method includes, during a call service, detecting a specificproximate object according to a first result sensed by using anothersensor, and if no proximity object is detected, disabling the proximitysensor.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the methodmay further include enabling the disabled proximity sensor according toa second result detected by using another sensor.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method ofavoiding screen off in an electronic device is provided. The methodincludes connecting a call service by enabling a proximity sensor,during the call service, analyzing a first picture image captured byusing a camera, and disabling the proximity sensor according to theanalyzed first picture image.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the methodmay further include analyzing a second picture image captured by usingthe camera, and enabling the disabled proximity sensor according to theanalyzed second picture image.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method ofavoiding screen off during a call in an electronic device is provided.The method includes connecting a call service by enabling a proximitysensor, acquiring a first Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) during the callservice, and if the first SAR is less than a threshold, disabling theproximity sensor.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the methodmay further include acquiring a second SAR, and if the second SAR isgreater than the threshold, enabling the disabled proximity sensor.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method ofavoiding screen off during a call in an electronic device is provided.The method includes connecting a call service by enabling a proximitysensor, recognizing a first voice command during the call service, andupon recognizing the first voice command, disabling the proximitysensor.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the methodmay further include recognizing a second voice command, and uponrecognizing the second voice command, enabling the disabled proximitysensor.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method inan electronic device is provided. The method includes connecting a call,enabling a proximity sensor upon connection of the call, during a callservice corresponding to the call, detecting an event, determiningwhether the event corresponds to a predefined event for disabling theproximity sensor during the call, and disabling the proximity sensor ifthe event is determined to correspond to the predefined event.

Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings,discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certainexemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparentfrom the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a state transition diagram for indicating anactive/inactive state of a proximity sensor according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a flowchart illustrating a process for avoiding screen off(e.g., screen deactivation) during an Automatic Response System (ARS)service in an electronic device according to a first exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device such as,for example, the electronic device described in association with theflowchart of FIG. 2A, according to a first exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3A is a flowchart illustrating a process for avoiding screen offduring an ARS service in an electronic device according to a secondexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device such as,for example, the electronic device described in association with theflowchart of FIG. 3A, according to a second exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate screens showing screen off caused by aproximity sensor which is always enabled during a call according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate screens showing screen off caused by aproximity sensor which is enabled or disabled depending on an up/downswing operation during a call according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 6A to 6D illustrate examples for controlling screen off dependingon an up/down-swing operation during an ARS service according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates an electronic device according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a screen for displaying a button for enabling akeypad according an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of avoiding screen offduring an ARS service in an electronic device according to a thirdexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of avoiding screen offduring an ARS service in an electronic device according to a fourthexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process of avoiding screen offduring an ARS service in an electronic device according to a fifthexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process of avoiding screen offduring an ARS service in an electronic device according to a sixthexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process of avoiding screen offduring an ARS service in an electronic device according to a seventhexemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a process of avoiding screen offduring an ARS service in an electronic device according to an eighthexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbersare used to depict the same or similar elements, features, andstructures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings isprovided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplaryembodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and theirequivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in thatunderstanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatvarious changes and modifications of the embodiments described hereincan be made without departing from the scope and spirit of theinvention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions andconstructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are notlimited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by theinventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of theinvention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in theart that the following description of exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention is provided for illustration purpose only and not forthe purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claimsand their equivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes referenceto one or more of such surfaces.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention described hereinafterrelate to a method and apparatus for avoiding screen off (e.g., screendeactivation) during an Automatic Response System (ARS) service in anelectronic device.

As a non-exhaustive illustration only, an electronic device describedherein may refer to mobile devices (e.g., portable electronic devices)such as a cellular phone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a digitalcamera, a portable game console, an MP3 player, a Portable/PersonalMultimedia Player (PMP), a handheld e-book, a tablet Personal Computer(PC), a Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation, and the like capableof wireless communication or network communication consistent with thatdisclosed herein. In addition, the electronic device may be any portableelectronic device including a device which combines two or morefunctions among such devices.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, anelectronic device configured with a soft keypad input has a function ofdisabling a proximity sensor at the same time of touching a keypadbutton and a function of enabling the disabled proximity sensor when an“up-swing” operation is performed to place the electronic device closeto an ear of a user in order to listen an ARS synthesized sound of anext step.

FIG. 1 illustrates a state transition diagram for indicating anactive/inactive state of a proximity sensor according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the state diagram includes an inactive state 100,an active state 120, and an idle state 140. The inactive state 100corresponds to an initial state of the electronic device (e.g., before acall is made). The active state 100 implies a state in which the call isbusy. The idle state 140 corresponds to a state in which the proximitysensor is disabled and a keypad is enabled during the call. In otherwords, the idle state 140 corresponds to a state in which a user intendsto make an input via the keypad during the call.

In the state transition diagram, when a call start event 105 occurs whenthe electronic device is in the inactive state 100, the statetransitions to the active state 120. As a result, the proximity sensormay be enabled. Further, when a call end event 110 occurs in the activestate 120, the state transitions to the inactive state 100, and in thiscase, the proximity sensor is disabled.

If a down-swing operation event 125 occurs when the electronic device isin the active state 120, the state transitions to the idle state 140. Inthe idle state 140, the proximity sensor is disabled and a soft keypadis enabled. Herein, the soft keypad is enabled when a keypad button ispressed by the user in an early step (e.g., when a first query isresponded to during an ARS service). Thereafter, from a second queryduring the ARS service, the soft keypad is automatically enabled even ifthe user does not press the keypad button. The down-swing operationcorresponds to an operation in which the user moves the electronicdevice away from the user's ear to check (e.g., view) a display. Thedown-swing operation may further include a step when the user attemptsto input a numeric character of the keypad. Because the proximity sensoris disabled in the idle state 140, the screen off (e.g., screendeactivation) function is not performed even if an object approachesduring a call. Accordingly, screen off does not occur when the userinputs a numeric character via the soft keypad during the ARS service.

If an up-swing operation event 130 occurs when the electronic device isin the idle state 140, the state transitions to the active state 120. Inthe active state 120, the proximity sensor is enabled and the softkeypad is disabled. The up-swing operation corresponds to an operationin which the user checks (e.g., views) the display, inputs a numericcharacter of the keypad, and thereafter places the electronic deviceclose to the ear. Because the proximity sensor is enabled in the activestate 120, the screen off function is performed when an objectapproaches during the call. Accordingly, screen off occurs when the userplaces the electronic device close to the ear to listen voiceinformation during the ARS service.

FIG. 2A is a flowchart illustrating a process for avoiding screen off(e.g., screen deactivation) during an ARS service in an electronicdevice according to a first exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the electronic device receives a phone number froma user in step 200.

In step 202, the electronic device enables a proximity sensor. Theproximity sensor is used to prevent a loss of electronic current of adisplay unit and an erroneous operation during a call. For example, ifthe user places the electronic device close to an ear of the user, ascreen is turned off. Conversely, if the user moves the electronicdevice away from the ear of the user, the screen is turned on.

In step 204, the electronic device determines whether an ARS service isbeing performed.

If the electronic device determines that the ARS service is beingperformed in step 204, then the electronic device proceeds to step 206in which the electronic device senses (e.g., detects) anup-swing/down-swing operation. In contrast, if the electronic devicedetermines that the ARS service is not being performed in step 204, thenthe electronic device proceeds to perform a predetermined mode. Forexample, the predetermined mode may be a mode in which the proximitysensor is always enabled during the call and thus when the user placesthe electronic device close to the ear, the screen is turned off,whereas when the user moves the electronic device away from the ear, thescreen is turned on.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in step204, the electronic device may determine whether the ARS service isbeing performed on the basis of the phone number, or according to animplementation, can be determined by the electronic device uponreceiving information indicating that the ARS service is available orbeing performed from the ARS service after a call connection.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, theelectronic device may not determine whether the ARS service is beingperformed in step 204. In this case, the up-swing/down-swing operationis sensed irrespective of the ARS service.

The down-swing operation may correspond to an operation in which theuser moves the electronic device away from the user's ear to check(e.g., view) a display and thereafter attempts to input a numericcharacter of a keypad. The up-swing operation may correspond to anoperation in which the user checks (e.g., views) the display, thereafterinputs a numeric character of the keypad, and thereafter places theelectronic device close to the user's ear. The up-swing/down-swingoperation can be sensed (e.g., detected) by using a motion recognitionsensor. The motion recognition sensor is a complex sensor in whichvarious sensors (e.g., a geo-magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor,and the like) and functions of an altimeter, a gyro, and the like, areintegrated in one chip.

Although the up-swing/down-swing operation is sensed (e.g., detected) bythe motion recognition sensor, exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention are not limited thereto. For example, the down-swing is anoperation in which the active state of (e.g., active state 120 ofFIG. 1) transitions to the idle state. Because the proximity sensor isenabled in the active state, when the proximity sensor senses (e.g.,detects) that the user moves the electronic device away from the ear ofthe user, the electronic device may recognize such an event as thedown-swing operation.

In step 208, the electronic device determines whether the down-swingoperation is sensed (e.g., detected). If the electronic devicedetermines that the down-swing operation is sensed (e.g., detected) instep 208, then the electronic device proceeds to step 210 in which theelectronic device determines whether a query is a first ARS query.

If the electronic device determines that the query corresponds to thefirst ARS query in step 210, then the electronic device proceeds to step212 in which the electronic device displays a button for enabling thekeypad as illustrated in FIG. 8 to be described below.

In step 214, the electronic device determines whether the button forenabling the keypad is selected by the user., If the button for enablingthe keypad is selected by the user, then the keypad is enabled asillustrated in FIG. 6D.

In step 216, the electronic device disables the proximity sensor, andenables the soft keypad.

In contrast, if the electronic device determines that the query does notcorrespond to the first ARQ query in step 210, then the electronicdevice proceeds to step 218 in which the proximity sensor is disabled,and simultaneously, the keypad is enabled. Thereafter, the electronicdevice proceeds to step 222.

In this case, because the proximity is disabled, screen off does notoccur when the user inputs a numeric character by using the soft keypadduring the ARS service.

If the electronic device determines that the up-swing operation issensed (e.g., detected) in step 208, then the electronic device proceedsto step 220 in which the electronic device enables the proximity sensorand disables the soft keypad. In this case, because the proximity sensoris enabled, screen off occurs when the user places the electronic deviceclose to the ear to listen voice information during the ARS service.Thereafter, the electronic device proceeds to step 222.

In step 222, the electronic device determines whether the ARS serviceends.

If the electronic device determines that the ARS service does not end instep 222, then the procedure returns to step 206. Otherwise, if theelectronic device determines that the ARS service ends in step 222, thenthe procedure of FIG. 2A ends.

The instruction set for each step of FIG. 2A can be stored in one ormore modules of the memories 705 and 707 illustrated in FIG. 7. As anexample, the module stored in the memory can be executed by one or moreprocessors.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device such as,for example, the electronic device described in association with theflowchart of FIG. 2A, according to a first exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the electronic device includes an element 201 fordetermining an up-swing/down-swing operation (e.g., for determiningwhether an event corresponds to an up-swing operation or a down-swingoperation) and an element 203 for enabling or disabling a proximitysensor according to the up-swing operation or the down-swing operation.

FIG. 3A is a flowchart illustrating a process for avoiding screen offduring an ARS service in an electronic device according to a secondexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3A, in step 300, the electronic device receives aphone number from a user.

In step 302, the electronic device enables a proximity sensor. Theproximity sensor is used to prevent a loss of electronic current of adisplay unit and an erroneous operation during a call. For example, ifthe user places the electronic device close to an ear of the user, ascreen is turned off. Conversely, if the user moves the electronicdevice away from the ear of the user, the screen is turned on.

In step 304, the electronic device determines whether an ARS service isbeing performed or is otherwise available on the basis of the inputphone number. According to exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention, the electronic device may determine whether the ARS serviceis being performed or is otherwise available upon receiving informationindicating that the ARS service is available or being performed from anARS system after a call connection.

If the electronic device determines that the ARS service is beingperformed or is otherwise available in step 304, then the electronicdevice proceeds to step 306 in which the electronic device disables theproximity sensor and enables the soft keypad. Because the proximity isdisabled, screen off does not occur when the user inputs a numericcharacter by using the soft keypad during the ARS service. Thereafter,the electronic device proceeds to step 310.

In contrast, if the electronic device determines that the ARS service isnot being performed or is not available in step 304, then the electronicdevice proceeds to step 308 in which the electronic device enables theproximity sensor and disables the soft keypad. Because the proximitysensor is enabled, screen off occurs when the user places the electronicdevice close to the ear to listen to voice information during the ARSservice. Thereafter, the electronic device proceeds to step 310.

In step 310, the electronic device determines whether the ARS serviceends.

If the electronic device determines the ARS service does not end in step312, then the procedure returns to step 304. Otherwise, if theelectronic device determines that the ARS service ends, then theprocedure of FIG. 3A ends.

The instruction set for each step of FIG. 3A can be stored in one ormore modules of the memories 705 and 707 illustrated in FIG. 7. As anexample, the module stored in the memory can be executed by one or moreprocessors.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device such as,for example, the electronic device described in association with theflowchart of FIG. 3A, according to a second exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

Referring to FIG. 3B, the electronic device includes an element 301 fordetermining whether an ARS service is being performed or is otherwiseavailable, and an element 302 for enabling or disabling a proximitysensor according to whether the ARS service is being performed or isotherwise available.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate screens showing screen off caused by aproximity sensor which is always enabled during a call according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a hand used to input an alphanumericcharacter via a soft keyboard may depend on whether the user isright-handed or left-handed, or may depend on the way by which the userholds the electronic device. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, when aright-handed user inputs an alphanumeric character via a soft keypadduring a call, a hand approaches the proximity sensor from anupper-right portion of the screen (and proximity sensor) and thus screenoff occurs. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, when a left-handed user inputs analphanumeric character via a soft keypad during a call, a handapproaches to the proximity sensor in an upper-left portion and thusscreen off occurs (FIG. 4B).

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate screens showing screen off caused by aproximity sensor which is enabled or disabled depending on an up/downswing operation during a call according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, when an alphanumeric character is inputvia a soft keypad during an ARS service, the electronic device maydisable a proximity sensor according to whether the user is right-handedor left-handed, or according to the way by which the user holds theelectronic device. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, when a right-handed userinputs an alphanumeric character via a soft keypad during an ARS service(e.g., a down-swing operation), the proximity sensor in an upper-rightportion is disabled and thus screen off does not occur even if a handapproaches. As illustrated in FIG. 5B, when a left-handed user inputs analphanumeric character via a soft keypad during an ARS service (e.g., adown-swing operation), the proximity sensor in an upper-left portion isdisabled and thus screen off does not occur even if a hand approaches.

FIGS. 6A to 6D illustrate examples for controlling screen off dependingon an up/down-swing operation during an ARS service according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 6A to 6D, the electronic device may variably controlwhether a proximity sensor is enabled or disabled according to thefunction or use of the electronic device. As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and6C, if a user places an electronic device such as a portable terminalclose to an ear of the user to make a call (e.g., if an up-swingoperation is performed), a proximity sensor is enabled and thus screenoff occurs to avoid an erroneous operation and electric currentconsumption in a display. For example, FIG. 6C illustrates a state inwhich a screen of the electronic device is turned off when the userplaces the electronic device close to the ear of the user.

As illustrated in FIG. 6B and 6D, if the user does not place theelectronic device such as the portable terminal close to the ear (e.g.,if a down-swing operation is performed in which the user intends to makean input via a soft keypad of the display), the screen is turned on andthe proximity sensor is disabled. Therefore, when the user inputs anumeric character or extra characters (e.g., *, #, and the like) via thesoft keypad according to the ARS service, the screen off does not occur,and thus the user can use the electronic device without anyinconvenience as if the user performs the ARS service via a typicalhardware keypad. For example, FIG. 6D illustrates a soft keypaddisplayed on a screen 610 of an electronic device 600 irrespective of anoperation of a proximity sensor when a down-swing operation is performedto make an input via a soft keypad of a display.

Although an example of enabling/disabling the proximity sensor accordingto the down-swing operation or the up-swing operation is described abovewith reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 6D, exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention are not limited thereto. According to exemplaryembodiments of the present invention, the proximity sensor can bedisabled when a specific key (e.g., a soft keypad 800 of FIG. 8) ispressed, and the proximity sensor can be disabled when a correspondingnumeric character is pressed in response to an ARS service.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, theproximity sensor can be enabled/disabled by combining sensing of theup/down-swing operation and selecting of a specific key. For example,the proximity sensor can be disabled when a specific key (e.g., a softkeypad 800 illustrated in FIG. 8) is pressed, and the proximity sensorcan be enabled upon sensing the up-swing operation.

FIG. 7 illustrates an electronic device according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, the electronic device includes a controller 700, aspeaker/microphone 710, a camera 720, a Global Positioning System (GPS)receiver 730, a Radio Frequency (RF) processor 740, a sensor module 750,a touch screen 760, a touch screen controller 765, and a memory (e.g.,an external memory 770).

The controller 700 may include an interface 701, at least one processor(e.g., an application processor 702, a communication processor 703, andthe like), and an internal memory 705. The entire part of the controller700 may be referred to as a processor. The interface 701, theapplication processor 702, the communication processor 703, and theinternal memory 705 may be separate components or may be integrated inone or more integrated circuits.

The application processor 702 and the communication processor 703perform various functions for the electronic device by executing avariety of software programs. For example, the communication processor703 processes and controls voice communication and data communication.In addition to such a function, the application processor 702 and thecommunication processor 703 may also execute a specific software module(e.g., an instruction set) stored in the external memory 770 or theinternal memory 705 and thus perform various specific functionscorresponding to the module. For example, the application processor 702and the communication processor 703 perform a method according toexemplary embodiments of the present invention by interworking withsoftware modules stored in the external memory 770 or stored in theinternal memory 705.

According to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention,the application processor 702 receives a phone number from a user andenables a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor is used to prevent aloss of electronic current of a display unit and an erroneous operationduring a call. For example, if the user places the electronic deviceclose to an ear of the user, a screen is turned off, and if the usermoves the electronic device away from the ear of the user, the screen isturned on. Further, the application processor 702 determines whether theARS service is being performed or is otherwise available, and if the ARSservice is being performed or is otherwise available, the electronicdevice (e.g., the application processor 702) senses anup-swing/down-swing operation. The electronic device may determinewhether the ARS service is being performed or is otherwise available onthe basis of the phone number. According to exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention, the electronic device can determine whether the ARSservice is being performed or is otherwise available upon receivinginformation indicating that the ARS service is being performed or isotherwise available from the ARS service after a call connection.According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, theelectronic device may not determine whether the ARS service is beingperformed or is otherwise available, and in this case, theup-swing/down-swing operation is sensed irrespective of the ARS service.

Upon sensing the down-swing operation, the application processor 702disables the proximity sensor and enables the soft keypad. In this case,because the proximity is disabled, screen off does not occur when theuser inputs a numeric character by using the soft keypad during the ARSservice. In contrast, upon sensing the up-swing operation, theapplication processor 702 enables the proximity sensor and disables thesoft keypad. In this case, because the proximity sensor is enabled,screen off occurs when the user places the electronic device close tothe ear to listen voice information during the ARS service.

According to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention,the application processor 702 receives a phone number from a user,enables a proximity sensor, and determines whether an ARS service isbeing performed or is otherwise available on the basis of the inputphone number. According to exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention, the electronic device may whether the ARS service is beingperformed or is otherwise available upon receiving informationindicating that the ARS service is being performed or is otherwiseavailable from an ARS system after a call connection.

If the electronic determines that the ARS service is being performed oris otherwise available, the application processor 702 disables theproximity sensor and enables the soft keypad. Otherwise, if theelectronic device determines that the ARS service is not being performedor is not otherwise available, the application processor 702 enables theproximity sensor and disables the soft keypad.

The interface 701 is connected to the touch screen controller 765 of theelectronic device and the external memory 770.

The sensor module 750 coupled to the interface 701 can enable variousfunctions. For example, a motion sensor and an optical sensor can becoupled to the interface 701 to respectively enable motion sensing andexternal light-beam sensing. In addition, other sensors such as alocation measurement system, a temperature sensor, a biometric sensor,and/or the like can be coupled to the interface 701 to perform relatedfunctions.

The sensor module 750 senses (e.g., detects) an up/down-swing operationof the user, and senses (e.g., detects) whether an object approaches theelectronic device by using a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor isenabled during a call. In particular, during the ARS service, theproximity sensor is disabled upon sensing (e.g., detecting) thedown-swing operation, and the proximity sensor is enabled upon sensing(e.g., detecting) the up-swing operation.

The camera 720 is coupled to the sensor module 750 via the interface701, and can perform a camera function such as photographing, video cliprecording, and the like.

The RF processor 740 performs a communication function. For example, anRF signal is converted to a baseband signal under the control of thecommunication processor 703, and is then provided to the communicationprocessor 703, or a baseband signal from the communication processor 703is transmitted by being converted into an RF signal. The communicationprocessor 703 processes the baseband signal by using variouscommunication schemes. For example, although not limited thereto, thecommunication scheme may include a Global System for MobileCommunication (GSM) communication scheme, an Enhanced Data GSMEnvironment (EDGE) communication scheme, a Code Division Multiple Access(CDMA) communication scheme, a Wideband-Code Division Multiple Access(W-CDMA) communication scheme, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) communicationscheme, an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA)communication scheme, a Wi-Fi communication scheme, a WiMaxcommunication scheme, a Bluetooth communication scheme, and/or the like.

The speaker/microphone 710 may input and output an audio stream such asaudio streams for voice recognition, voice reproduction, digitalrecording, telephony functions, and the like. For example, thespeaker/microphone 710 converts an audio signal into an electronicsignal or converts the electronic signal into the audio signal. Althoughnot shown, an attachable and detachable ear phone, headphone, or headsetcan be connected to the electronic device via an external port.

The touch screen controller 765 can be coupled to the touch screen 760.Although not limited thereto, the touch screen 760 and the touch screencontroller 765 may use capacitance, resistance, infrared, surface soundwave techniques, and the like for determining one or more contactpoints. The touch screen 760 and the touch screen controller 765 mayalso use multi-touch sense techniques including other proximity sensorarrays or other elements to sense a contact, a movement, or stoppingthereof

The touch screen 760 provides an input/output interface between theelectronic device and the user. For example, the touch screen 760delivers a touch input of the user to the electronic device. Inaddition, the touch screen 760 is a medium which shows an output fromthe electronic device to the user. For example, the touch screen shows avisual output to the user. Such a visual output is represented in theform of a text, a graphic, a video, and a combination thereof.

A variety of displays can be used as the touch screen 760. For example,the touch screen 760 may include a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a LightEmitting Diode (LED), a Light Emitting Polymer Display (LPD), an OrganicLight Emitting Diode (OLED), an Active Matrix Organic Light EmittingDiode (AMOLED), a Flexible LED (FLED), and/or the like.

The GPS receiver 730 converts a signal received from a satellite intoinformation of a location, a speed, a time, and the like. For example, adistance between the satellite and the GPS receiver is calculated bymultiplying a speed of light by a signal arrival time, and a location ofthe electronic device is measured according to a principle of awell-known triangulation by obtaining a distance and a correct locationof three satellites.

The external memory 770 or the internal memory 705 may include a fastRandom Access Memory (RAM) such as one or more magnetic disc storagedevices and/or a non-volatile memory, one or more optical storagedevices, a flash memory (e.g., NAND, NOR), and/or the like.

The external memory 770 and/or the internal memory 705 stores a softwarecomponent. The software component includes an operating system softwaremodule, a communication software module, a graphic software module, auser interface software module, a Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG)module, a camera software module, one or more application softwaremodules, and the like. In addition, because a module (e.g., a softwarecomponent), can be expressed as a group of instructions, the module canalso be expressed as an instruction set. The module is also expressed asa program.

The operating system software includes various software components forcontrolling a general system operation. The control of the generalsystem operation includes memory management and control, storagehardware (device) control and management, power control and management,and the like. In addition, the operating system software performs afunction for facilitating communication between various hardwareelements (devices) and software elements (modules).

The communication software module can enable communication with otherelectronic devices such as a computer, a server, and/or a portableterminal via the RF processor 740. Further, the communication softwaremodule may include a protocol structure conforming to a correspondingcommunication scheme.

The graphic software module includes various software components forproviding and displaying graphics on the touch screen unit 760. The term“graphics” may correspond to a text, a web page, an icon, a digitalimage, a video, an animation, and the like.

The user interface software module includes various software componentsrelated to the user interface. The user interface software moduleincludes the content related to how a state of the user interfacechanges and in which condition the state of the user interface changes.

The camera software module includes a camera-related software componentwhich enables camera-related processes and functions. The applicationmodule may include a browser function, an e-mail function, an instantmessage function, word processing function, a keyboard emulationfunction, an address book function, a touch list, a widget, DigitalRights Management (DRM), a voice recognition function, a voicereproduction function, a location determining function, a location-basedservice, and the like. The memories (e.g., external memory 770 andinternal memory 705) may further include additional modules(instructions) in addition to the aforementioned modules. Alternatively,some of the modules (instructions) may not be used.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, theapplication module includes an instruction set corresponding to a methodof implementing the present invention. According to the first exemplaryembodiment of the present invention, the instruction set includes aninstruction for receiving a phone number from a user, for enabling aproximity sensor, for determining whether an ARS service is beingperformed or is otherwise available, for sensing an up-swing/down-swingoperation if the ARS service is being performed, for, upon sensing thedown-swing operation, disabling the proximity sensor and enabling thesoft keypad, and for, upon sensing the up-swing operation, enabling theproximity sensor and disabling the soft keypad.

According to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention,the instruction set includes an instruction for receiving a phone numberfrom a user, for enabling a proximity sensor, for determining whether anARS service is being performed or is otherwise available on the basis ofthe input phone number, for, if the ARS service is being performed,disabling the proximity sensor and enabling the soft keypad in case ofthe ARS service, and for, if the ARS service is not being performed,enabling the proximity sensor and disabling the soft keypad.

In addition, various functions of the electronic device according toexemplary embodiments of the present invention, described above and tobe described below, can be performed by using one or more streamprocessors and/or a hardware component including an Application SpecificIntegrated Circuit (ASIC) and/or a software component, and/or acombination thereof.

FIG. 8 illustrates a screen for displaying a button 800 for enabling akeypad according an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, when a user uses an ARS service, an operation of aproximity sensor is disabled by a software control of an electronicdevice at the same time of touching a “keypad button” to make a keypadinput. Accordingly, “screen off” caused by the keypad input of the usercan be avoided while the user uses the ARS service.

In addition, the keypad is touched to proceed to a next step from afirst step of the ARS service. Thereafter, if an “up-swing” operation inwhich the user places the electronic device close to the ear of the useris performed to listen an ARS query of the next step, the proximitysensor is enabled again, so that a screen off function is performed by asensing operation of the proximity sensor when the electronic device islocated proximate to the ear. In the up-swing operation, if a“down-swing” operation in which the user moves the electronic deviceaway from the ear is performed to input an ARS button, the proximitysensor is disabled again, thereby avoiding the “screen off”. Therefore,according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, because theproximity sensor is temporarily disabled when the user may frequentlymake a keypad input or listen to an ARS synthesized sound according to acharacteristic of the ARS service, an ARS service can be usedconveniently without rendering an original purpose of the proximitysensor (e.g., preventing an erroneous operation and electric currentconsumed by a display during a call) ineffective.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of avoiding screen offduring an ARS service in an electronic device according to a thirdexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, in step 900, the electronic device receives a phonenumber from a user, and connects to an ARS service.

In step 902, a proximity sensor is enabled. The proximity sensor is usedto prevent a loss of electronic current of a display unit and anerroneous operation during a call. For example, if the user places theelectronic device close to an ear of the user, a screen is turned off,and if the user moves the electronic device away from the ear of theuser, the screen is turned on.

In step 904, the electronic device receives a voice announcement from anARS service system. In this case, the user can listen to an ARS voiceannouncement by placing the electronic device close to the ear of theuser.

Thereafter, in step 906, before the user touches one numeric characterin the soft keypad according to a voice announcement from the system,the electronic device disables the proximity sensor when the usertouches a specific key. Because the proximity sensor is disabled, screenoff does not occur when the user inputs the numeric character via thesoft keypad. The specific key may correspond to one of a hardware key(e.g., a volume control key, a selection key, a home button, etc.) and aspecific soft key (e.g., a key for enabling the soft keypad (such as thesoft keypad illustrated in FIG. 8), a soft key for executing anapplication such as a memo pad) of the electronic device.

In step 908, when the user presses any character (e.g., 0-9 or #, *, andthe like) in the soft keypad according to the ARS service voiceannouncement, the electronic device receives a corresponding pressedsoft key. The corresponding pressed soft key is provided to the ARSservice system, and proceeding to a next step, the ARS service voiceannouncement is received.

In step 910, when the user presses any character (e.g., 0-9 or #, *, andthe like) in the soft keypad according to the ARS service voiceannouncement, the electronic device enables the proximity sensor anddisables the soft keypad. Because the proximity sensor is enabled,screen off occurs when the user places the electronic device close tothe ear to listen voice information during the ARS service.

In step 912, the electronic device determines whether the ARS serviceends.

If the electronic device determines that the ARS service does not end instep 912, then the electronic device proceeds to step 904 in which theelectronic device receives a next ARS service voice announcement.Otherwise, if the electronic device determines that the ARS service endsin step 912, then the procedure of FIG. 9 ends.

The instruction set for each step of FIG. 9 can be stored in one or moremodules of the memories 705 and 707 of FIG. 7. As an example, the modulestored in the memory can be executed by one or more processors.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of avoiding screen offduring an ARS service in an electronic device according to a fourthexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, in step 1000, the electronic device receives aphone number from a user, and connects to an ARS service.

In step 1002, a proximity sensor is enabled. The proximity sensor isused to prevent a loss of electronic current of a display unit and anerroneous operation during a call. For example, if the user places theelectronic device close to an ear of the user, a screen is turned off,and if the user moves the electronic device away from the ear of theuser, the screen is turned on.

In step 1004, the electronic device receives a voice announcement froman ARS service system. In this case, the user can listen to an ARS voiceannouncement by placing the electronic device close to the ear of theuser.

Thereafter, in step 1006, before the user touches one numeric characterin the soft keypad according to a voice announcement from the system,the electronic device uses the proximity sensor to determine whether theelectronic device is proximate to the ear of the user or is moved awayfrom the ear. If the electronic device determines, by using theproximity sensor, that the electronic device is moved away from the ear,disables the proximity sensor. Because the proximity sensor is disabled,screen off does not occur when the user inputs the numeric character viathe soft keypad. In other words, when the user moves the electronicdevice away from the ear of the user, the proximity sensor is disabled.

In step 1008, the electronic device runs a timer for enabling theproximity sensor. A timer running value can be determined by consideringa time required when the user inputs a corresponding soft key bylistening to an ARS service voice announcement and thereafter places theelectronic device close to the ear of the user to listen a next ARSservice voice announcement.

In step 1010, when the user presses any character (e.g., 0-9 or #, *,and the like) in the soft keypad according to the ARS service voiceannouncement, the electronic device receives a corresponding pressedsoft key. The corresponding pressed soft key is provided to the ARSservice system, and the ARS service voice announcement is received.

In step 1012, the electronic device determines whether the timer hasexpired. If the electronic device determines that the timer has notexpired in step 1012, the electronic device continues to poll until thetimer expires.

If the electronic device determines that the timer expired in step 1012,then the electronic device proceeds to step 1014 in which the electronicdevice enables the proximity sensor and disables the soft keypad.Because the proximity sensor is enabled, screen off occurs when the userplaces the electronic device close to the ear to listen voiceinformation during the ARS service.

In step 1016, the electronic device determines whether the ARS servicehas ended.

If the electronic device determines that the ARS service has not endedin step 1016, then the electronic device proceeds to step 1004 in whichthe electronic device receives a next ARS service voice announcement.Otherwise, if the electronic device determines that the ARS service hasended in step 1016, the procedure of FIG. 10 ends.

The instruction set for each step of FIG. 10 can be stored in one ormore modules of the memories 705 and 707 of FIG. 7. As an example, themodule stored in the memory can be executed by one or more processors.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process of avoiding screen offduring an ARS service in an electronic device according to a fifthexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11, in step 1100, the electronic device receives aphone number from a user, and connects to an ARS service.

In step 1102, a proximity sensor is enabled. The proximity sensor isused to prevent a loss of electronic current of a display unit and anerroneous operation during a call. For example, if the user places theelectronic device close to an ear of the user, a screen is turned off,and if the user moves the electronic device away from the ear of theuser, the screen is turned on.

In step 1104, the electronic device receives a voice announcement froman ARS service system. In this case, the user may listen to an ARS voiceannouncement by placing the electronic device close to the ear of theuser.

Thereafter, in step 1106, before the user touches one numeric characterin the soft keypad according to a voice announcement from the system,the electronic device disables the proximity sensor on the basis of asignal sensed by another sensor (e.g., an ambient light sensor, atemperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and the like). Because theproximity sensor is disabled, screen off does not occur when the userinputs the numeric character via the soft keypad. The specific key maycorrespond to one of a hardware key (e.g., a volume control key, aselection key, and the like) and a specific soft key (e.g., a key forenabling the soft keypad such as the keypad illustrated in FIG. 8, asoft key for executing an application such as a memo pad) of theelectronic device. For example, if the ambient light sensor is used todetermine a proximity of the electronic device according to a brightnesschange, the brightness is dark (e.g., relative to a predefined orconfigurable threshold) when the electronic device is placed close tothe ear of the user, and the brightness is not dark when the electronicdevice is moved away from the ear of the user. If the temperature sensoris used to determine the proximity of the electronic device according toa temperature change, when the electronic device is placed close to theear of the user, a temperature is high (e.g., relative to a predefinedor configurable threshold) due to a body temperature of the user, andwhen the electronic device is moved away from the ear of the user, thetemperature is not high.

In step 1108, when the user presses any character (e.g., 0-9 or #, *,and the like) in the soft keypad according to the ARS service voiceannouncement, the electronic device receives a corresponding pressedsoft key. The corresponding pressed soft key is provided to the ARSservice system, and the ARS service voice announcement is received.

In step 1110, the electronic device enables the proximity sensor anddisables the soft keypad on the basis of a signal sensed by anothersensor (e.g., an ambient sensor, a temperature sensor, and a humiditysensor). In this case, because the proximity sensor is enabled, screenoff occurs when the user places the electronic device close to the earto listen voice information during the ARS service.

In step 1112, the electronic device determines whether the ARS servicehas ended.

If the electronic device determines the ARS service has not ended instep 1112, then the electronic device proceeds to step 1104 in which theelectronic device receives a next ARS service voice announcement.Otherwise, if the electronic device determines that the ARS service hasended in step 1112, then the procedure of FIG. 11 ends.

The instruction set for each step of FIG. 11 can be stored in one ormore modules of the memories 705 and 707 of FIG. 7. As an example, themodule stored in the memory can be executed by one or more processors.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process of avoiding screen offduring an ARS service in an electronic device according to a sixthexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12, in step 1200, the electronic device receives aphone number from a user, and connects an ARS service.

In step 1202, a proximity sensor is enabled. The proximity sensor isused to prevent a loss of electronic current of a display unit and anerroneous operation during a call. For example, if the user places theelectronic device close to an ear of the user, a screen is turned off,and if the user moves the electronic device away from the ear of theuser, the screen is turned on.

In step 1204, the electronic device receives a voice announcement froman ARS service system. In this case, the user may listen to an ARS voiceannouncement by placing the electronic device close to the ear of theuser.

Thereafter, in step 1206, before the user touches one numeric characterin the soft keypad according to a voice announcement from the system,the electronic device disables the proximity sensor on the basis of animage captured by using a camera. Because the proximity sensor isdisabled, screen off does not occur when the user inputs the numericcharacter via the soft keypad. For one example, the electronic devicemay determine that the electronic device is placed close to the ear ofthe user when the ear of the user is visible as a result of analyzingthe captured image. An algorithm for determining that the electronicdevice is placed close to the ear of the user when the ear of the useris visible as a result of analyzing the captured image is not providedherein. As another example, the electronic device may determine that theelectronic device is placed close to the ear of the user when an eye ofthe user is visible as a result of analyzing the captured image. Analgorithm for determining that the electronic device is placed close tothe ear of the user when the eye of the user is visible as a result ofanalyzing the captured image is not provided herein.

In step 1208, when the user presses any character (e.g., 0-9 or #, *,and the like) in the soft keypad according to the ARS service voiceannouncement, the electronic device receives a corresponding pressedsoft key. The corresponding pressed soft key is provided to the ARSservice system, and the ARS service voice announcement is received.

In step 1210, the electronic device enables the proximity sensor anddisables the soft keypad on the basis of the image captured by using thecamera. Because the proximity sensor is enabled, screen off occurs whenthe user places the electronic device close to the ear to listen voiceinformation during the ARS service. An algorithm for determining whetherthe electronic device is placed close to the ear of the user byanalyzing the captured image is not provided herein.

In step 1212, the electronic device determines whether the ARS servicehas ended.

If the electronic device determines that the ARS service has not endedin step 1212, then the electronic device proceeds to step 1204 in whichthe electronic device receives a next ARS service voice announcement.Otherwise, if the electronic device determines that the ARS service hasended in step 1212, then the procedure of FIG. 12 ends.

The instruction set for each step of FIG. 12 can be stored in one ormore modules of the memories 705 and 707 of FIG. 7. As an example, themodule stored in the memory can be executed by one or more processors.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process of avoiding screen offduring an ARS service in an electronic device according to a seventhexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13, in step 1300, the electronic device receives aphone number from a user, and connects an ARS service.

In step 1302, a proximity sensor is enabled. The proximity sensor isused to prevent a loss of electronic current of a display unit and anerroneous operation during a call. For example, if the user places theelectronic device close to an ear of the user, a screen is turned off,and if the user moves the electronic device away from the ear of theuser, the screen is turned on.

In step 1304, the electronic device receives a voice announcement froman ARS service system. In this case, the user can listen to an ARS voiceannouncement by placing the electronic device close to the ear of theuser.

Thereafter, in step 1306, before the user touches one numeric characterin the soft keypad according to a voice announcement from the system,the electronic device disables the proximity sensor on the basis of aSpecific Absorption Rate (SAR). Because the proximity sensor isdisabled, screen off does not occur when the user inputs the numericcharacter via the soft keypad. For example, the electronic device maydetermine that the electronic device is placed close to the ear of theuser when the SAR is greater than a threshold.

In step 1308, when the user presses any character (e.g., 0-9 or #, *,and the like) in the soft keypad according to the ARS service voiceannouncement, the electronic device receives a corresponding pressedsoft key. The corresponding pressed soft key is provided to the ARSservice system, and the ARS service voice announcement is received.

In step 1310, the electronic device enables the proximity sensor anddisables the soft keypad on the basis of the SAR. Because the proximitysensor is enabled, screen off occurs when the user places the electronicdevice close to the ear to listen voice information during the ARSservice. For example, the electronic device may determine that theelectronic device is moved away from the ear of the user when the SAR isless than the threshold.

In step 1312, the electronic device determines whether the ARS servicehas ended.

If the electronic device determines that the ARS service has not endedin step 1312, then the electronic device proceeds to step 1304 in whichthe electronic device receives a next ARS service voice announcement.Otherwise, if the electronic device determines that the ARS service hasended in step 1312, then the procedure of FIG. 13 ends.

The instruction set for each step of FIG. 13 can be stored in one ormore modules of the memories 705 and 707 of FIG. 7. As an example, themodule stored in the memory can be executed by one or more processors.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a process of avoiding screen offduring an ARS service in an electronic device according to an eighthexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 14, in step 1400, the electronic device receives aphone number from a user, and connects an ARS service.

In step 1402, a proximity sensor is enabled. The proximity sensor isused to prevent a loss of electronic current of a display unit and anerroneous operation during a call. For example, if the user places theelectronic device close to an ear of the user, a screen is turned off,and if the user moves the electronic device away from the ear of theuser, the screen is turned on.

In step 1404, the electronic device receives a voice announcement froman ARS service system. In this case, the user may listen to an ARS voiceannouncement by placing the electronic device close to the ear of theuser.

Thereafter, in step 1406, before the user touches one numeric characterin the soft keypad according to a voice announcement from the system,the electronic device disables the proximity sensor on the basis of avoice command Because the proximity sensor is disabled, screen off doesnot occur when the user inputs the numeric character via the softkeypad. For example, the proximity sensor is disabled when a voicecommand of “disabling of the proximity sensor” is input by the user.

In step 1408, when the user presses any character (e.g., 0-9 or #, *,and the like) in the soft keypad according to the ARS service voiceannouncement, the electronic device receives a corresponding pressedsoft key. The corresponding pressed soft key is provided to the ARSservice system, and the ARS service voice announcement is received.

In step 1410, the electronic device enables the proximity sensor anddisables the soft keypad on the basis of the voice command Because theproximity sensor is enabled, screen off occurs when the user places theelectronic device close to the ear to listen voice information duringthe ARS service. For example, the proximity sensor is enabled when avoice command of “enabling of the proximity sensor” is input by theuser.

In step 1412, the electronic device determines whether the ARS servicehas ended.

If the electronic device determines that the ARS service has not endedin step 1412, then the electronic device proceeds to step 1404 in whichthe electronic device receives a next ARS service voice announcement.Otherwise, if the electronic device determines that the ARS service hasended in step 1412, then the procedure of FIG. 14 ends.

The instruction set for each step of FIG. 14 can be stored in one ormore modules of the memories 705 and 707 of FIG. 7. As an example, themodule stored in the memory can be executed by one or more processors.

Methods according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention canbe implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, whenimplemented in software, a non-transitory computer readable recordingmedium for storing one or more programs (i.e., software modules) can beprovided. The one or more programs stored in the non-transient computerreadable recording medium are configured for execution performed by oneor more processors in an electronic device such as a portable terminal.The one or more programs include instructions for allowing theelectronic device to execute the methods based on the exemplaryembodiments disclosed in the claims and/or specification of the presentinvention.

The program (e.g., the software module or software) can be stored in arandom access memory, a non-volatile memory including a flash memory, aRead Only Memory (ROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read OnlyMemory (EEPROM), a magnetic disc storage device, a Compact Disc-ROM(CD-ROM), Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs) other forms of optical storagedevices, a magnetic cassette, the like, or a combination thereof Inaddition, the memory may be configured to include a plurality ofmemories.

Further, the program can be stored in an attachable storage devicecapable of accessing the electronic device through a communicationnetwork such as the Internet, an Intranet, a Local Area Network (LAN), aWide LAN (WLAN), a Storage Area Network (SAN), a communication networkconfigured by combining the networks, and the like. The storage devicecan access via an external port to the device for performing theexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Furthermore, an additional storage device on the communication networkcan access to the device for performing the exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a proximitysensor is prevented from being enabled when a soft keypad is inputduring an ARS response. Accordingly, a “screen off” function which isnot desired by a user may be avoided. In addition, because the “screenoff” function not desired by the user is disabled during the ARSservice, the user can use the ARS service of a smart phone without anyinconvenience.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference tocertain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood thatvarious changes in form and details may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: a proximitysensor; a display; at least one memory configured to store instructions;and at least one processor that is, when executing the instructions,configured to: while providing a call service and before receiving aninput for executing a function, switch a state of the display from anactive state to an inactive state or from the inactive state to theactive state based on whether an external object is located within adesignated distance from the proximity sensor or not; and whileproviding the call service and after receiving the input for executingthe function, maintain the state of the display as the active stateindependently of whether an external object is located within adesignated distance from the proximity sensor or not.
 2. The electronicdevice of the claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is furtherconfigured to: control the display to display a user interface for thecall service the user interface including an executable object for theexecuting the function, and receive the input based on a touch input onthe executable object on the display that is in the active state.
 3. Theelectronic device of the claim 2, wherein the function comprisesdisplaying a soft keypad.
 4. The electronic device of the claim 2,wherein the function comprises an application for a memo.
 5. Theelectronic device of the claim 1, further comprising a motion sensor,wherein the at least one processor is, to maintain the state of thedisplay as the active state, further configured to: obtain dataassociated with a posture of the electronic device from the motionsensor; while the posture of the electronic device is a designatedposture and the function is executed after receiving the input, maintainthe state of the display as the active state independently of whether anexternal object is located within a designated distance from theproximity sensor or not.
 6. The electronic device of the claim 5,further comprising: a housing comprising a first surface facing a firstdirection, a second surface facing a second direction opposite to thefirst direction, and a third surface between the first surface and thesecond surface, wherein the display is viewed through at least a portionof the first surface, and wherein the proximity sensor is viewed throughat least another portion of the first surface.
 7. The electronic deviceof the claim 6, wherein the designated posture of the electronic deviceis a posture that the first surface and/or the second surface issubstantially parallel to a ground.
 8. The electronic device of theclaim 6, wherein the display comprises: a first periphery; a secondperiphery parallel to the first periphery; a third periphery; and afourth periphery parallel to the third periphery, and wherein theproximity sensor is disposed above the third periphery.
 9. Theelectronic device of the claim 1, wherein the at least one processor isfurther configured to: enable the proximity sensor based on identifyinga start event of the call service, and disable the proximity sensorbased on identifying an end event of the call service, and wherein thestate of the display is switched from the active state to the inactivestate or from the inactive state to the active state based on adetection result of the enabled proximity sensor.
 10. The electronicdevice of the claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is furtherconfigured to: based on identifying that a posture of the electronicdevice is a designated posture and the function is executed afterreceiving the input, disable the proximity sensor, wherein thedesignated posture of the electronic device is a posture that the firstsurface and/or the second surface is substantially parallel to a ground.11. A method for operating an electronic device, the method comprising:detecting an event for a call service; while providing the call serviceand before receiving an input for executing a function, switch a stateof a display of the electronic device from an active state to aninactive state or from the inactive state to the active state based onwhether an external object is located within a designated distance froma proximity sensor of the electronic device or not; and while providingthe call service and after receiving the input for executing thefunction, maintaining the state of the display as the active stateindependently of whether an external object is located within adesignated distance from the proximity sensor or not.
 12. The method ofthe claim 11, further comprising: displaying a user interface for thecall service the user interface including an executable object for theexecuting the function, and receiving the input based on a touch inputon the executable object on the display that is in the active state. 13.The method of the claim 12, wherein the function comprises displaying asoft keypad.
 14. The method of the claim 12, wherein the functioncomprises an application for a memo.
 15. The method of the claim 11,wherein maintaining the state of the display as the active statecomprises: obtaining data associated with a posture of the electronicdevice; and while the posture of the electronic device is a designatedposture and the function is executed after receiving the input,maintaining the state of the display as the active state independentlyof whether an external object is located within a designated distancefrom the proximity sensor or not.
 16. The method of the claim 15,wherein the electronic device comprises a housing that comprises a firstsurface facing a first direction, a second surface facing a seconddirection opposite to the first direction, and a third surface betweenthe first surface and the second surface, wherein the display is viewedthrough at least a portion of the first surface, and wherein theproximity sensor is viewed through at least another portion of the firstsurface.
 17. The method of the claim 16, wherein the designated postureof the electronic device is a posture that the first surface and/or thesecond surface is substantially parallel to a ground.
 18. The method ofthe claim 16, wherein the display comprises: a first periphery; a secondperiphery parallel to the first periphery; a third periphery; and afourth periphery parallel to the third periphery, and wherein theproximity sensor is disposed above the third periphery.
 19. The methodof the claim 11, further comprising: enabling the proximity sensor basedon identifying a start event of the call service; and disabling theproximity sensor based on identifying an end event of the call service,wherein the state of the display is switched from the active state tothe inactive state or from the inactive state to the active state basedon a detection result of the enabled proximity sensor.
 20. The method ofthe claim 11, further comprising: based on identifying that a posture ofthe electronic device is a designated posture and the function isexecuted after receiving the input, disabling the proximity sensor,wherein the designated posture of the electronic device is a posturethat the first surface and/or the second surface is substantiallyparallel to a ground.
 21. An electronic device comprising: a displayviewed through at least a portion of a surface; a proximity sensorviewed through at least another portion of the surface; at least onememory configured to store instructions; and at least one processor thatis, when executing the instructions, configured to: based on identifyingan event for a call service, displaying a user interface for the callservice, while providing in the call service, switch a state of thedisplay from an active state to an inactive state or from the inactivestate to the active state based on whether an external object is locatedwithin a designated distance from the proximity sensor or not, receive atouch input for a soft key for displaying a soft keypad, and based onidentifying that a posture of the electronic device is a designatedposture and the soft keypad is displayed after receiving the input,maintain the state of the display as the active state independently ofwhether an external object is located within a designated distance fromthe proximity sensor or not, wherein the designated posture of theelectronic device is a posture that the surface is substantiallyparallel to a ground.
 22. A method for operating an electronic device,the method comprising: based on identifying an event for a call service,displaying a user interface for the call service; while providing in thecall service, switching a state of a display of the electronic devicefrom an active state to an inactive state or from the inactive state tothe active state based on whether an external object is located within adesignated distance from a proximity sensor or not; receiving an inputfor a soft key for executing a function on the user interface; and basedon identifying that a posture of the electronic device is a designatedposture and the function is executed after receiving the input,maintaining the state of the display as the active state independentlyof whether an external object is located within a designated distancefrom the proximity sensor or not, wherein the display is viewed throughat least a portion of a surface of the electronic device, wherein theproximity sensor is viewed through at least another portion of thesurface of the electronic device, and wherein the designated posture ofthe electronic device is a posture that the surface is substantiallyparallel to a ground.
 23. A non-transitory computer readable storagemedium storing one or more programs, the one or more programs comprisinginstructions which, when executed by an electronic device with a displayand a proximity sensor, cause the electronic device to: based onidentifying an event for a call service, displaying a user interface forthe call service; while providing in the call service, switch a state ofthe display from an active state to an inactive state or from theinactive state to the active state based on whether an external objectis located within a designated distance from the proximity sensor ornot; receive an input for a soft key for executing a function on theuser interface; and based on identifying that a posture of theelectronic device is a designated posture and the function is executedafter receiving the input, maintain the state of the display as theactive state independently of whether an external object is locatedwithin a designated distance from the proximity sensor or not, whereinthe display is viewed through at least a portion of a certain surface ofthe electronic device, and wherein the designated posture of theelectronic device is a posture that of which the certain surface issubstantially perpendicular to a direction of gravity.
 24. An electronicdevice comprising: a proximity sensor; a display; at least one memoryconfigured to store instructions; and at least one processor that is,when executing the instructions, configured to: while a call service isprovided and a predefined function is not executed, control the displayto switch a state of the display from an active state to an inactivestate or from the inactive state to the active state based on whether anexternal object is located within a designated distance from theproximity sensor or not, receive an input for executing the predefinedfunction, and while the call service is provided and the predefinedfunction is executed, control the display to maintain the state of thedisplay as the active state independently of whether an external objectis located within a designated distance from the proximity sensor ornot.
 25. A method for operating an electronic device, the methodcomprising: detecting an event for a call service; while the callservice is provided and a predefined function is not executed,controlling the display to switch a state of the display from an activestate to an inactive state or from the inactive state to the activestate based on whether an external object is located within a designateddistance from the proximity sensor or not; receiving an input forexecuting the predefined function; and while the call service isprovided and the predefined function is executed, controlling thedisplay to maintain the state of the display as the active stateindependently of whether an external object is located within adesignated distance from the proximity sensor or not.